Countdown to National Fitness Day 2018 kicks off with nationwide search for Fitness2Me heroes

ukactive has today (14 May) started the countdown to National Fitness Day by launching a search for the inspiring individuals in communities across the UK.

National Fitness Day is an annual campaign that celebrates the fun of fitness and physical activity, while highlighting the benefits leading an active lifestyle can have on our overall health.

In the run-up to the event on Wednesday 26 September, people from all corners of the UK are being invited to share their stories of what fitness means to them, using the hashtag #Fitness2Me.

This year, ukactive will select the most inspiring #Fitness2Me heroes from the nine English regions and the three nations that make up the UK, and promote their stories to a national audience in the run-up to the big day.

From those who champion healthy lifestyles in their towns and communities, to those who have overcome the odds through physical activity, beaten depression or inspired young people to get active, the search aims to celebrate the role of fitness in every walk of life.

National Fitness Day also has a great new look this year, with a new website and branding that build on the success of a 2017 campaign which saw more than 20,000 free activities take place and 5.1 million people getting physically active on the day.

In another major boost, AXA PPP healthcare has renewed its commitment to supporting healthy workplaces by extending its headline partnership of National Fitness Day for another three years.

The partnership includes a focus on supporting employers to promote a physically active workforce through AXA PPP’s ‘Flying Start’ campaign, which calls on employers to help their staff enjoy an active start to National Fitness Day.

Gordon Henderson, Marketing Director at AXA PPP healthcare, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with National Fitness Day, for 2018 and beyond. Busy work schedules and family commitments can mean it’s hard to make time for physical activity but we believe employers have a key role to play in helping their people to get moving. National Fitness Day is a great way for workplaces to get involved and build being active into their working day.”

CEO of ukactive Steven Ward said: “National Fitness Day is all about celebrating the personal experiences and stories that physical activity brings to our lives. Whatever fitness means to you, we’re calling on you to share that message with the nation so that more people can be inspired to live healthy, active lifestyles.

“National Fitness Day continues to go from strength to strength and we’re delighted that AXA PPP healthcare has committed to a further three years on our journey, helping us to reach into Britain’s workplaces with their Flying Start campaign.”

Legendary ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell has also declared her backing for National Fitness Day, with the Strictly Come Dacing judge set to kick-off proceedings on the day with her dance fitness company DDMIX.

And the Department of Health has added its support by recognising the crucial role of physical activity in the nation’s health and wellbeing.

Public Health Minister Steve Brine said: “Being active is so important – it adds years to our lives, saves billions of pounds for our NHS and helps to manage and prevent over 20 chronic conditions, including heart disease, type-2 diabetes and mental health problems. That’s why I’m delighted to support National Fitness Day – which can play a crucial role in getting the nation moving.”

How to get involved:

There are lots of ways to share what fitness means to you: post a message to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, add a photo of yourself or upload a video message – just don’t forget to include the hashtag #Fitness2Me